Sonography of musculoskeletal infection in children

Abstract

Musculoskeletal infection, especially in young children, often presents with non-specific clinical signs and symptoms necessitating early imaging to identify the source of infection. While MRI is the investigation of choice to demonstrate bone infection, it is expensive and often requires a general anaesthetic in the young child. Ultrasound can be a useful tool in the initial assessment due to its easy availability and portable equipment. It does not involve ionising radiation and is used to guide aspiration and drainage procedures. This review explains sonographic features of septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis and soft tissue infection in children and highlights advantages and limitations of sonography when assessing the child with suspected musculoskeletal infection.